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Monday, May 13, 2013

That Blog Post That I've Been Waiting to Write

Ever have one of those blog posts that you dream of writing, but you have to wait until that right moment? Well, people, that post is happening today. And what is that post about? It's about how I quit my day job. Yup! You read that right. After over a year of contemplating, I finally did it!!! Woot woot!!

I have always known that I wasn't meant to be a teacher my entire life, that I'd eventually want to move on to something new. Over the past two years I started really feeling burned out and found myself much happier with my handmade business. Then there was that pivotal moment when Andrew and I went out to dinner on a Friday night in January and we just sat there talking about school and how much I hated it and how stressed out I was about it and how stifled I was feeling. We were also talking about how happy I was when I was working with my hands in my card business, how much creative energy I was able to use in my designs. Ultimately, Andrew said, "You remember when we were in college and we were dirt poor? Those were some of the most fun moments of our lives. Wouldn't you rather be poor and happy than rich and unhappy?"

It was a moment of reality-- one that made me understand just how unhappy I was with my teaching job, and a moment in which I realized Andrew's happiness was at risk because of my own unhappiness.

I decided in that instant that I would be moving on. It had been in the works for a while. I had planned on coming back for one more year of teaching, long enough for me to totally pay off my student loans to provide a little more financial stability. I couldn't imagine having to give up another year of my happiness just to pay off some loans that will be manageable anyway.

If you're unhappy, you are the only one that can change that. I was unhappy, so I decided to change that.
via NeueGraphic
I am turning 30 in September. I am not afraid of getting older. I am afraid of not living my life to its fullest potential. There are so many things that I want to do in my lifetime that I know change needs to happen now.

Before my Spring Break, I spoke with both my Principal and Assistant Principal and let them know I would be leaving at the end of the year. A couple weeks ago, I handed in my letter of resignation, and this past week I told my students that I would be leaving. While a huge weight had lifted off of me, I also had a very rough week dealing with the emotions of breaking the news to my students. Some of them wanted to know why I was leaving them, which was the toughest part of all. One of my closest students sat in the classroom with tears in his eyes. One of my basketball players made me promise her I would still come to see her games. They did not make it easy for me and I hadn't expected they would.

After sharing the news with one of my former students, I felt better. He said, "Ms. Shenk, all I want is for you to be happy. If you're happy, then I'm happy. Life isn't fun if you're not happy." Here I had spent a good three years dishing out advice to this kid and here he was dishing it back at me. Being happy. That's what life is about.

So where does life lead me next? My card business! At the end of the school year, I'll be taking a quick break and then return to work being self-employed working from home. I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of you to thank because I know my business wouldn't be what it is today without all of you! Aside from working full time with my business, there will also be a few other crazy things to look forward to in my future! Let's just say that 30 is going to be an amazing year!

And to celebrate and thank YOU ALL, for the next few days you can use the code WOOTWOOT25 to get 25% off everything in my shop and 25% off all blog ads. I'm looking forward starting this new adventure in the coming year!

P.S. 24 school days til I peace out from Baltimore City Schools! And yes, I've been counting down. You know that's how I do! ;)


22 comments:

  1. Yay! I'm so happy for you :)

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  2. Congratulations, Heidi! I know this decision comes with bittersweet moments and perhaps it is a little scary, but I know in the end you will never ever regret it! (I know when i quit my job, I have NEVER looked back.)

    I get so freaking excited when I hear about someone taking the Big Leap. In fact ... have you read the book The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks? It will rock your world.

    It's been really fun following your work and your biz. You've got lots to celebrate. Enjoy this transition!

    Also, if you are looking for a community of women entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off of, you might want to check out Rock It! >> http://wepropelle.com/rock-it

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    1. Thank you, Kate for you words of encouragement! It definitely is bittersweet, but so exciting yet the same. I'm looking forward to a new adventure!

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  3. WWEAAAAAAAYYYYYYAAAAHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"#$!!!!!!!!

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  4. YAY!!! I have been waiting to hear this news for awhile. So SO SO SO SO happy for you!!!

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  5. YAY!!! This is such exciting news and so life changing. Before I quit my day job I never realized I could be so content in my day to day life. So, so, so happy for you!!!

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  6. Yayyyy!!! Congratulations! I am soooooo excited for you!

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  7. Yayyyy!!! Congratulations! I am soooooo excited for you!

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  8. I had the same realization when I was teaching. Wouldn't I rather be happier and poor than miserable and slightly not poor? I also read a lot of Eastern literature and asked questions like, "How is success determined? What do I aspire to and for?" I am happy for you, and I wish you all the best.

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  9. That is SO fabulous! Congrats, Heidi :D Wishing you much continued success in your happy place of handmade goodies! xoxo

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  10. Congratulations on this big step! I really admire your courage!

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  11. This is wonderful news! Congratulations on your decision and to pursuing happiness! :)

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  12. ohhhh congratulations my friend!!! i'm excited for your happiness and all the future hilarious cards you will create!

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  13. Wow! Congrats Heidi!! Happy for ya!

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  14. Congrats on following your dreams, heart and happiness! Not everyone is this brave in life, myself included. I can't wait to read about where this road takes you!

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  15. Wow, that is a huge step, but CONGRATS to you for doing it!! Courage and determination will take you far. I hope you find more happiness than you ever imagined.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.com

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  16. WOOOOOOOO! Man, the one day I don't check your blog, you go and have a big announcement! :-)

    CONGRATS! It's going to be so awesome. The best decision you'll ever make, I promise.

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  17. Just thrilled for you!!! So proud of you for pursuing your dreams!

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  18. Congrats! That's a huge move, and definitely exciting!

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  19. this is so huge! congrats lady!! awesome times awesome! ha

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  20. CONGRATS to you!!!! I am a firm believer in living a happy life over a wealthy life. I even spoke that to a good friend of mine over the weekend. I know that's a big scary step and I'm proud of you for taking that leap for your happiness.

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